Edwina was about to put the cup down when a loud whistle made her sit up. The fairy man snatched the cup. She watched him hurry into her kitchen. When he came back, his smile was wide and his eyes glowed.

“Happy Birthday, Edwina,” he said, bending carefully on his knee.

Edwina tried a small sip from the steaming cup. Her eyes widened in surprise and she jumped up, dropping the cup. She was suddenly aware of all the faces around her, the fairies leaning over her armchair and the dragon curled like a cat by her fire.

For the first time she saw the fairy in his own world.

“Don’t be afraid,” said the fairy. “It wasn’t the teacup but the tea itself I wanted to give you.”